Advice RE: T3 vs TH55 vs UX50 vs TJ37

R

Raffy

New member
Forgive me if this is an inappropriate post. I have searched the threads to see if my question has been asked. Though much of this has been discussed, it hasn't been tackled in a manner that I can use to guide my purchase. I need a new PDA for work, but I only have the resources to buy one model once and I will have to live with that purchase probably for the next two years, even if it fails my needs. That being said, this PDA will primarilly be used for looking up medical information "on the fly" and entering patient data, with only secondary need for games or internet access. I have also had little luck finding stores both with the models in question and the ability to actually "play" with them a bit to see how they compare.

So, I have narrowed down my choices to the Palm T3 vs Clie TH55, with UX and TJ series coming into consideration after those first two models. I am also entertaining the possibility of one of the newer model clam-shells (NX series). So, its mostly Clies vs a single Palm....but the Palm PDA is currently tied for first.

I am in the medical field and the features I figure I need include --in order of importance-- 1) excellent battery/power management, 2) fast processing, 3) large memory, 4) largest bright screen-320X480, 5) voice recording, 6)keyboard options, 7) connectivity options --though this would probably be adequately covered by bluetooth--, 8)Card slots -with cheap card expenditures, 9) mp3/camera would be nice, but somewhat unnecessary (unless my wife wants my T665C then I will need mp3 for late nights on the hospital ward).

So, over that last week or so I have been flopping back and forth between definite TH55 purchase vs definite T3 purchase. If I go with the TH55, I will need to wait for a keyboard to come out for the series. If I purchase the T3, I will likely also grab one of the "power to go" battery packs, and see if the "mini keyboard" is compatible with the T3.

But, I can't find an objective way to compare these two units. Maybe you people can shed some wisdom on this concerning these specific questions, plus any additional input you are willing to share:

1-in terms of power management, how would the TH55 (with legendary power management) compare to the T3 (which I hear is a battery hog) with and without the "power to go" kit?

2-when the TH55 states 32 megs RAM and 32 megs ROM, how much is available to the suave user (employing options such as JackFlash/Sprat when they become available), compared to the T3's 64 Megs RAM/ zero ROM (52 Megs actually available)?

3-how fast are these units compared to each other. T3 has a 400mhz xscale processor, while the TH55 has a 8-123 variable speed processory. Is this xscale processor similar to the th55 variable speed processory in that it slows down when it doesn't need to be fast? At its top performance, is the T3 nearly 4 times faster than the TH55? Would I likely notice this difference in processor speed if I was rapidly switching between large e-manuals that are each multiple megabytes in size and patient data managing programs like handbase etc?

4-where is the voice recorded with these models? Do I use up precious RAM/ROM when I record my dictations? Do these models have dedicated memory to the voice recorder? Can recordings be swapped onto the external card to save internal memory usage?

5-Does anyone know if the Canadian version of the TH55 has BT like the Euro Model, or only WiFi, like the American Model?

6-Has anyone heard any rumours about new unit models that may be released soon, for example: like a th55 with a faster processor (no I haven't heard this, just making it up)?

Thanks for your time reading this and also large thanks to those who reply. I will really take your comments to heart in deciding which model I have to go with. Its getting a little anxious flip-flopping back and forth all day on which to go with.

John
 
I have not owned a Clie, so I cannot comment on these devices. However, I have been more than happy with my T3. I do a lot of reading on the T3 using iSilo and some other readers. I like the T3's screen ability to transform into a stretch-screen landscape mode. This makes it a lot easier to view the text and graphics.

One thing you will need to take into consideration between the T3 and the Clie models is the type of memory cards you want to use. If you want SD, you will need to choose the T3. The Clie's use Memory Stick. If you own a digital camera or MP3 player, you will probably want to choose a PDA which uses the same type of memory card.

I would also recommend you take a look at the specs and compare the bundled software on each device. I am not going to tell you which device is the right one for you because everybody's needs are different. Good luck on your decision.
 
Like dwinget, I have not owned any Sony models, currently have a T2, previously owned a T and before that a Pocket PC. The Pocket PC I had used much of its capacity to operate the larger programs in Windows-based sys, and I frankly had problems with ActiveSynch.

On the Palm side, Hot Sync ALWAYS works for me and the programs available are top-notch. Battery life is better with Palm vs PocketPCs, don't think that will be disputed. One thing you will need to consider is availability of medical references- there seems to be a ton of stuff available for the Palm world.

Finally, you can find well-written reviews of all the units you are considering at places like www. rabroad.com, and www.bargainpda.com, among many others.
Good luck!
 
I have had a T3 and now own a TH55. Because of time restraints, I cannot address all your questions.

Yes, you have a conundrum.

The battery life on the TH55 is outstanding. I would estimate about 3 times better than the T3. I can't comment on the Power to Go kit. The voice recorder and camera have the option of saving files on the memory stick first, then when filled, in RAM. Memory sticks are pretty cheap now.

The problem is that the voice recorder button sucks. It is a slider on the lower left. It must be depressed (slid) then released. If the voice recorder application is open, it won't activate recording. You then have to press the record button on screen. It's a real pain because you have to open the clear screen protector. However, the screen protector can be removed. The voice recorder button and function is far superior on the T3, even if the button is easily pressed when in a pocket or backpack.

Clie Organizer sucks and cannot be removed. There is still a double alarm bug on the TH55 where Clie Organizer and the Palm PIMs want to activate the alarm at the same time.

The T3 is a more refined PDA but lacks some of the sex appeal of the TH55.

My TH55 will be replaced the day Cobalt is released.

I know this doesn't make your decision, but like I said, you do have a conundrum. Both, PDA's have strengths and weaknesses for your use.
 
Here's my 2 Cs, FWIW
I don't know how important this feature is for you, but when I compared the two in the store, the T3's screen is brighter.

Also, I think the T3 is more ergonomically friendly.

On the other hand, I believe Sony has a reputation for robust hardware. I've had my Clie NR70 for a long time without any glitch. It fell on hard surfaces a few times and nothing happened. I haven't had any hard resets either.

If you plan on using spreadsheets the T3 should be your choice.
 
With today's news of Sony exiting the US market, you may want to reconsider if you haven't already purchased a Sony.

You can see the other thread in this discussion regarding the full story.

fnagle
 
I'll put it this way....if the Th55 had been out before the T3 - I would have kept it. The speed issue of the Th55's processor was the determining factor in my returning it.....that and my company migrated into Sprint/treo land and so now I've got a T3 that's virtually collecting dust.

From a pure battery life issue it's the Th55 and wifi.

From a pure "power" calculating and speed perspective it's a T3.

That's the determining factors.
 
Hi,

Hope its not too late to add my two bits...
A friend of mine tried using the TH55 for a week.. though she preferred the visual appeal of the Th55, she finally returned it and chose the T3. Apparently the usability and the overall 'Palm-ness' of the T3 did it for her.

Also, the Th55 isnt very impressive in the processor department... that may be something you want to consider.

Ive been using the T3 for abt 6 months now... I absolutely love it. :D
Yes, thebattery life could be better, but then again, its still probably one of the best PDAs out there.
 
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